Pet licensing in Chicago

Published guidance

Dogs need a license. Cats do not need a separate local license.

This summarizes published terms for the listed service area. It does not confirm that the rule applies to your home or pet. Confirm your address and current terms with the official office.

City of ChicagoSources reviewed August 23, 2026Official sources

License essentials

Published fees
$5.00–$150.00Pet details and license term determine the exact amount. Reduced or no-fee options may apply.
Dog license age
Four months and older
Have ready
Current rabies vaccination

What you need

Requirements by pet type

Dog licensing details

DogsLicense requiredSee age, vaccination, documents, timing, and special cases

Dogs need a license.

Starts at
Four months and older
Vaccination
Current rabies vaccination required
When it applies
First license, After moving here, and Renewal
Documents
Current rabies vaccination

Cat licensing details

CatsNo separate licenseSee age, vaccination, documents, timing, and special cases

Cats do not need a separate local license.

Costs

License fees

See all 8 published fee optionsDogs · Compare terms, eligibility, and amounts
PetFee typeTerm and eligibilityAmount
DogsLicense fee1 year · Altered$5.00
DogsLicense fee3 years · Altered · Requires rabies vaccination valid for the selected term$15.00
DogsLicense fee1 year · Unaltered$50.00
DogsLicense fee3 years · Unaltered · Requires rabies vaccination valid for the selected term$150.00
DogsLicense fee1 year · Altered · Senior price$2.50
DogsLicense fee3 years · Altered · Senior price · Requires rabies vaccination valid for the selected term$7.50
DogsLicense fee1 year · Unaltered · Senior price$5.00
DogsLicense fee3 years · Unaltered · Senior price · Requires rabies vaccination valid for the selected term$15.00

Confirm the final amount and eligible term on the official application before payment.

Where it applies

Where these rules apply

City of Chicago

City and county boundaries can change which office handles a pet license. If your city or ZIP overlaps more than one area, use a street address for a more precise match before applying.

Official information

Official links

Local rules and fees can change. Use these official links to confirm the details before you apply.

See official sources

Different location?

Find rules for another city or ZIP code.

Start with the city or ZIP code where your pet lives. A street address is only needed when local boundaries require a more precise match.

Check another location